Chattanooga Honors Longtime Community Center Manager Jim Long Upon Retirement
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Friends, family, and city leaders gathered at the John A. Patten Community Center Thursday to honor Jim Long, the center’s longtime manager, who officially retired after more than 45 years of service to the Chattanooga community.
The City of Chattanooga Department of Community Development hosted the ceremony, which drew city, county, and state representatives. Speakers praised Long’s decades of faith-driven leadership and his dedication to creating a welcoming space for everyone in the community.
“I love being a city employee, I love my community, and I’ve got one of the best jobs a man can ever have,” Long said during the ceremony. “I’ve made a lot of good relationships and friendships.”
Long’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career devoted to service, mentorship, and fostering connections across Chattanooga. Colleagues and community members described the farewell as well-earned, celebrating his enduring impact on countless residents.
